Many weird and wonderful things have gone under the hammer at the Canterbury Auction Galleries.

However, right up there in the novelty stakes must be a life-size replica of Doctor Who’s Tardis, which is due to be sold in November with an estimate of up to £5,000.

The fictional time travelling machine was made by lifelong fan of the series Jason Onion, who is also a friend of the family of the show’s co-creator, the late Anthony Coburn.

Constructed of reclaimed oak and weighing one ton, the Tardis was built to mark the 50th anniversary celebrations of Doctor Who in Mr Onion’s hometown of Herne Bay, where Mr Coburn lived.

It was his widow, the now-late Joan Coburn-Moon, who was the first guest to step inside the Tardis when it was unveiled at the Herne Bay bandstand in 2013.

The police box has been shown at various sci-fi festivals and events since, raising appearance money for charity, but it was always Mr Onion’s intention to eventually auction it for Children in Need.

“I call it an antique of the future and it has about 30 signatures inside of former Doctor Whos and cast members, which makes it unique,” said the artist and designer.

“Already I have raised up to £4,000 for Children in Need, taking it to various conventions around the country.

“I hope it will go to a good home and be appreciated.”

Mr Onion has a licence from the BBC to make replica models of the Tardis, but says this one is the most impressive yet and especially personal to him.

It is expected to spark a bidding war at the sale in Canterbury on November 29.

Auctioneer Tony Pratt said: “It’s quite a difficult thing to value but there is a worldwide following of Doctor Who.

“We have given it an auction estimate of between £3,000 and £5,000.

“During its travels, it’s been signed inside by various actors, cast and celebrities, which should also add to the interest. And, of course, it’s being sold for a very good cause.”

While researching the Doctor Who story for his Tardis project, Mr Onion discovered never-before-seen scripts of the first Doctor Who episodes in the Coburn family’s attic.

They suggested that the opening scene of the first episode was inspired by the seafront at Herne Bay, where Anthony Coburn enjoyed seaside walks.